Phases

Dear SSSG,

Greetings and Salutations!

As we meet again I take a second to note our progression. As I hear the stories and see the evolution I recognize the growth and movement. We are truly in different stages similar to our beloved butterfly. Within SSSG we have plenty of caterpillars, numerous cocoons, and beautifully matured butterflies.

In each cycle, we take a moment to breathe and be present in our current circumstances. As caterpillars, we see our origin story and know through it all, that God is still enough and in control. We stay low to the ground and feel the most connected. We feel everything! From the ground shifting to the pull from stretching and growing. We are fighting the good fight to survive and become what God would have us to be. We’ve gained and lost as the seasons changed and acquired the wisdom to keep going. We were fed, we were humbled, we were blessed.

We look at Uncle Jacob and see his caterpillar stage. We see his fight and in doing so we see our own. We see the full equation and do our best to make it on the right side, so we also grab a heel. It’s not easy being a caterpillar with butterfly promises. We have those moments where we act on our own accord, yet somehow, God’s grace is always sufficient. And when we act out, we act out REAL BAD. Manipulation, tomfoolery, you name it. And in it all, our heart reminds us to seek our Creator. We become vulnerable and humble into position for the cocoon.

In this stage of vulnerability, we face the music and allow Jacob’s life to minister to us. We see in our alone season we have the hardest fight. We have to survive the elements. We are stripped of the distractions and solely focus on the next version of ourselves. We can’t pick up the phone, look at the social media feed, and have no time for shenanigans. We are wrestling. That dog is in full display to become what God has promised. In the process our boundaries are tested, purging is a real thing, and when we don’t give up, then we see we’ve been given a new name.

Uncle Jacob is now Israel and we are now butterflies. We have a new name and the promises to soar. We woke up as a new person with new capabilities. We still have the memories of life as a caterpillar to strengthen our trust in the Lord. We can attest life is not perfect, but it is worth it.
So SSSG, keep the fight. Stay in the process. We will become our own Israel. The promise is connected to our identity; all the fight was preparation and equipping for such a time as this. We walk into every phase as victorious. We stay focused, drink our water, and are about our Father’s business.

As in all things we leave with a prayer. Father, thank you for the grace and mercy that chases us in every season. Thank you for the Holy Spirit that is our inheritance and strengthens us in our journey. Thank you for choosing us and guiding us. Where You lead, we will follow. Until next time, Shalom.